Khamenei: Criticism of Iran President Unfair

Reuters:

Criticism of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is unfair, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday. Ahmadinejad has faced sharp criticism at home and abroad since taking office in August for inviting international pressure through undiplomatic language and taking time to form a new cabinet of ministers and enact promised policy changes. READ MORE

But Khamenei, who has the last word on all state matters in Iran, said the former Tehran mayor was being unfairly judged.

"Everyone must support this government. I know that unfair remarks are made against the government, particularly against President Ahmadinejad," Khamenei told a gathering of Friday Prayer leaders.

"I am saying that the president must be given the chance, the resources and support so that he can perform his task," he added in his speech, parts of which were broadcast by state television.

"The level of expectations raised is unprecedented ... There are shortcomings that basically this government could not be responsible for. This is obvious," Khamenei said.

Ahmadinejad, who defeated influential former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani to win June elections, has received particular criticism abroad for remarks last month in which he said Israel should be "wiped off the map."

At home, his failure to put forward an acceptable candidate for the prestigious oil minister post has invited criticism from politicians who accuse him of trying to fill his cabinet with close allies instead of qualified people.